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Home » News » Questionnaires » 2nd Calvert Crusade for Children
2nd Calvert Crusade for Children
Calvert Crusade for Children
2nd Candidate Questionnaire
Although improvements have been dramatic in recent years, 25% of Calvert’s children are not fully prepared to learn when they enter kindergarten. Because brain development takes place primarily in the pre-school years, these children could be left permanently behind. What would you as a Commissioner do to enable all children to be prepared to succeed when entering kindergarten?
The dramatic improvements are due to existing programs and coalitions such as the United Way’s Success by 6 and Head Start. I have voted to maintain and increase funding for those child programs which receive county funding, such as the Southern Maryland Childcare Resource Center that trains day care providers.
What would you do to improve opportunities for recreation for Calvert’s children?
I spearheaded the effort on the Board of County Commissioners to build an indoor aquatic center, which was approved in August. I will lead the effort to build a recreation center at the same location as early as funding permits, including a teen center. I support additional playing fields.
Should County Commissioners tie school funding to school performance? How would you as a Commissioner measure school success?
The County Commissioners should provide funding to the schools based on a rational formula (currently full funding). The elected Board of Education is responsible for wise use of that funding. School success is already measured by the state and federal governments, as well as by private organizations.
Would you support a community center located in the Prince Frederick area, and what construction priority would you give it?
I voted to purchase land for a community center located off Theater Drive in P.F. near the indoor aquatic center. I will give it the highest placement in the Capital Budget where funding can be arranged. I envision a teen center as an integral component.
Do you support the current school funding formula, and what circumstances might cause you to 1) increase, and 2) decrease formula funding?
I voted for the current school funding formula because it takes into account inflation, enrollment increases, and new initiatives above the legally required “maintenance of effort” while allowing the Board of Education to plan ahead. I voted for an increase to cover unexpected fuel and utility prices.
What role should the Commissioners play in dealing with the impacts of No Child Left Behind and High School Assessments on education resources and on students?
I have lobbied the State Board of Education and Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools, on the effects of their implementation of these two challenges. I oppose HSA’s as the ONLY measure of a student’s educational attainment, especially when measured by a private provider with a high error rate.
What role would you as a Commissioner play in improving better access to health and dental care for the County’s children?
I support current state programs like M-CHIP. Working collaboratively with the State, which provides medical and dental care, to resolve access issues is important and a current effort by county staff at my request.
Two more County young people died this week in an accident involving a teen driver. What would you as a Commissioner do to improve safety on the road for County teen-agers?
I support instituting the DARE program into the Middle School and High School Curriculum, which is being done on the Middle School level on a limited, trial basis this year. I support the Traffic Safety Council initiatives, including the mock accidents. I support legal consequences for unsafe teen driving.
Because of long commutes to jobs outside the County, our population includes many latchkey children. What role do you see for County government in dealing with this situation, and what if any services would you consider to provide before or after school care?
I support after-school programs like MESA, the Boys and Girls Club, Scouts, sports, Parks and Recreation-sponsored, East John Youth Center, before and after school-based programs and others. I led the effort to obtain a county matching grant for construction of the Bayside Boys and Girls Club.
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